Making a Difference: Environmental Services Technician Opportunities at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical skills with a deep sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks is currently seeking a dedicated Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid Leader) to join their team in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This role is more than just maintaining a facility—it is about ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for the brave men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an EVS Leader, your daily contributions will have a direct impact on patient health and facility operations. Key duties include:
- Technical Cleaning: Utilizing chemistry, biology, and bacteriology principles to maintain aseptic standards.
- Equipment Operation: Handling floor scrubbers, buffers, and vacuums while performing minor maintenance.
- Team Leadership: Coordinating daily assignments for housekeeping staff to ensure comprehensive facility coverage.
- Safety Management: Safely managing infectious and non-infectious waste and ensuring all staff adhere to PPE requirements.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you must meet several key criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Ability to meet physical demands, including lifting 50 pounds and performing various cleaning tasks.
- Compliance with all federal background and suitability investigations.
- Adherence to the VA's influenza vaccination policy.
| Feature | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Work Schedule | Thursday-Monday (3:00pm - 11:30pm) |
| Job Grade | WL-2 |
| Salary | $19.57 - $22.83 / hour |
| Travel | None |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $19.57 to $22.83, commensurate with skills and federal pay scales. Beyond the base pay, employees benefit from federal leave accrual, which can be optimized by documenting previous relevant work experience.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits. In addition to a stable career, you will have access to professional development and the opportunity to receive credit for non-federal experience when calculating your annual leave accrual rate.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:
- The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to stay compliant.
- Detail Your Experience: Do not assume the hiring manager knows your background. Clearly describe your duties, the hours worked per week, and your specific technical achievements.
- Use Professional Fonts: Keep formatting simple and clean for better readability.
Serving our veterans is a noble endeavor. If you are a hardworking individual with a talent for leadership and cleanliness, this role in Fayetteville offers the perfect blend of professional stability and personal reward. Apply today to begin your journey with the VA.
Why This Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at the Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks and help provide a clean, safe, and healing environment for those who have served our country.
Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a motivated Environmental Services Technician to serve as a Housekeeping Aid Leader in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this role, you will perform vital custodial work and oversee housekeeping operations to ensure that medical center facilities meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. You will contribute directly to the 'I CARE' mission, supporting Veterans by maintaining the environment where they receive their care.
Requirements for Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must undergo and pass a background investigation.
- Must be able to perform physical duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and standing/walking for the majority of the shift.
- Willingness to receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical/religious exemption.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Submit a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader)
- Prior experience in hospital or clinical housekeeping environments.
- Ability to operate and maintain industrial floor cleaning equipment such as scrubbers, buffers, and wet/dry vacuums.
- Demonstrated leadership ability or experience in team coordination.
- Knowledge of aseptic cleaning techniques and proper handling of infectious waste.
- Strong communication skills for interpreting and implementing supervisor instructions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal leave accrual (can be credited for prior non-federal job-related experience).
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Opportunity to work in a high-impact, mission-driven environment.
- ✓Access to stable federal employment with potential for professional growth.
💡 How to Apply Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Environmental Services Technician (Evs) - Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job
- Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or less, highlighting your relevant experience, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job posting.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214, or relevant transcripts).
- Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Follow the two-page resume limit strictly to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the Merit Hiring Plan requirements.
- Clearly define your paid and volunteer work history, including the number of hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact during the upload process.
- Proofread your responses to the questionnaire to ensure they align with the duties listed in the job description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the EVS Leader?
The EVS Leader oversees housekeeping tasks throughout the medical center, including floor maintenance, textile distribution, and ensuring that housekeeping aids follow all safety and infection control protocols.
Is experience required to apply?
While there is no specific time-length requirement, you must provide clear evidence of your ability to perform the duties of the position, including handling cleaning equipment and managing environmental standards.
How long is the probationary period?
New hires are required to serve a one-year probationary period where performance and conduct will be evaluated to ensure they meet agency standards.
Is a degree required for this role?
No, specific formal education is not required, but evidence of your ability to perform the work is mandatory.
What happens if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have borne the battle. The Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks serves as a cornerstone of health for local veterans, providing high-quality care in a region known for its natural beauty and community spirit. When you join the VA, you join a culture defined by the 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.